The tenth princess born to Consort Ma Jia has completed her third-day celebration.
Although the tenth princess was somewhat weak in the womb, she could be raised to adulthood with careful nurturing.
Ten days later, in early July, news came from Chuxiu Palace that Consort Sixue was pregnant and was already a month and a half along.
Upon learning of this news, Emperor Kangxi pondered for a long time with a solemn expression before heading to the Cining Palace.
Emperor Kangxi and the Empress Dowager sat facing each other, both with solemn expressions.
A quarter of an hour later, Kangxi spoke in a deep voice, "Grandmother, is Consort Sixue, a concubine in Consort Zhao's palace, pregnant?"
"Yes, I am aware of it."
The Empress Dowager nodded slightly, then looked at Kangxi and said, "Aobai is dead, and Ebilun has also passed away. Consort Zhao is the successor chosen by the Emperor and I after careful consideration."
"Your Majesty, my opinion is that Consort Sixue's child should be kept. Your Majesty, you have many children now, but princesses make up the majority, and you only have three princes."
"If the child in Consort Sixue's womb is a prince, that would be good."
Emperor Kangxi frowned slightly.
After a cup of tea, Kangxi said loudly, "Grandmother's teachings are correct. I know what to do. As for Consort Sixue, let nature take its course."
"If she is fortunate enough to keep the child, I will not hesitate to bestow upon her a special honor."
The Empress Dowager nodded.
Yikun Palace
Xu Lejin smiled gently as she looked at Aunt Chunhua, who had come to report to her on the situation of the three children, Bao Shou, Wu Xiha, and Wu Naxi, from her brother's side.
"Bao Shou, Wu Xiha, and Una Xi are all well, so I am relieved!"
With a smile in her eyes, Xu Lejin turned her head and instructed Ruhua beside her, "A few days ago, my mother sent some silver into the palace through someone. Ruhua, take some and give it to Chunhua."
"yes."
Ru Hua respectfully acknowledged and withdrew.
Three days later, on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month
The first birthday celebrations for Bao Shou, Wu Xiha, and Una Xi were very grand because the three children were auspicious twins.
The Empress Dowager, the Empress Dowager, Emperor Kangxi, and the wives of the imperial relatives all gathered at Yikun Palace.
As the biological mother of three children, Xu Lejin, attended by Lianzhi and Ruhua, changed into a grand imperial concubine's robes and attended the event in full regalia.
"Consort Yu looks exceptionally beautiful today."
Consort Zhao was dressed in her auspicious imperial robes, her head adorned with exquisite pearls and jade, sparkling with jewels. The large pearls in her hair bun shone brightly, highlighting her nobility as the foremost consort in the palace.
With a slight smile, Consort Zhao continued, "I remember that this is the first time Consort Yu has attended in such a grand and solemn manner since she was promoted to the rank of Consort. This ceremonial robe for the rank of Consort Yu seems to have been tailor-made for her."
"Your Highness, you flatter me. It is the Imperial Household Department's craftsmanship that makes the auspicious robes so dignified and magnificent."
Xu Lejin subtly observed Consort Zhao before replying in a gentle voice.
A cold glint flashed in her eyes as Consort Zhao continued, "Previously, during the sixth prince's first birthday celebration, he picked up a book of poetry and a musical instrument. When the sixth prince grows up, he will surely be a man of great literary talent, proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and become a top-notch scholar."
Xu Lejin's smile faltered.
"If Consort Zhao's words are auspicious, it would be wonderful if Bao Shou were truly talented and eloquent."
"Now I only hope that Bao Shou, Wu Xiha, and Wu Na Xi can grow up healthy and safe."
With a relaxed demeanor, Xu Lejin looked gently at Consort Sixue, who was carefully protecting her belly beside Consort Zhao, and then spoke softly. "Consort Sixue is pregnant, and she is less than two months along. This is a crucial time."
"Today is the first birthday of Bao Shou, Wu Xiha, and Wu Naxi. There are many people around, so Consort Sixue should be careful."
Consort Sixue turned pale and glanced timidly at Consort Zhao.
After hesitating for a long time, Consort Sixue whispered, "Thank you for your concern, Consort Yu. Although I am pregnant, it is my duty to attend the first birthday celebration of the three imperial heirs."
Upon hearing this, Xu Lejin smiled faintly and remained silent.
Half an hour later
Xu Lejin met her mother, Madam Xie, alone in the bedroom. Madam Xie now manages all the affairs of Xu Muer's family. Under Madam Xie's management, the concubines, illegitimate children and illegitimate children are very well-behaved and quiet.
When Xie is happy, he is in high spirits and his face is rosy.
"Mother, is everything alright at home? Father and elder brother are in Shengjing, have they sent any letters?" Xu Lejin looked at Madam Xie and asked softly.
Madam Xie looked respectful as she carefully considered her words.
"Your Majesty, I am grateful for your concern. Everything is well at home. A few days ago, some members of the imperial clan came to our house to ask for Fu Jin and Yu Jin as their wives. After much consideration, I declined, saying that I wanted to keep them for a few more years."
Xu Lejin nodded with a smile.
Madam Xie continued, "In Shengjing, the master wrote a few days ago that he has taken another concubine there and also arranged a marriage for An'er there."
“An’s daughter-in-law is the legitimate daughter of a collateral branch of the Wu Zhaku family in Shengjing. Although she lost her mother at an early age and had to make a living under her stepmother, she has a strong character and does things in a very methodical way.”
Xu Lejin was taken aback upon hearing this.
“Mother, I remember, my eldest brother is twenty now, isn’t he? Whether it’s a Manchu or Mongol family or a Han Banner family, male members are usually engaged at seventeen or eighteen, and by the time they are twenty, their children are already born.”
Madam Xie sighed softly.
"Your Majesty, An'er is your father's eldest son born out of wedlock. Previously, An'er's birth mother, Consort Liu, was favored by the emperor. An'er is a man of high standards, so his marriage was delayed until last year..."
"Last year, thanks to Your Majesty, my family received the Emperor's favor of being promoted to a higher banner and being granted a surname. We also arranged a marriage for him, and all that was left was the formalities of the betrothal ceremony. But then things just fell apart."
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